THCA and THC: What’s the Difference?
Most people know that THC is the psychoactive component in cannabis, but what about THCA? Unlike THC, THCA doesn’t have any intoxicating effects, but it does have some potential medicinal benefits. In fact, some people even consider fresh, raw, unheated cannabis to be a superfood because of its THCA content.
In this article, we will examine how THCA is different from THC, as well as the potential benefits and uses of both.
THCA
THCA, also known as tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, is an inactive compound found in cannabis plants and the precursor to THC. For THCA to turn into THC, it must either go through an aging process or through a heating process called decarboxylation.
THCA is found in the trichomes on cannabis plants and has no intoxicating effects when ingested. Like other cannabinoids, THCA is being studied for its potential medicinal benefits.
These potential benefits include anti-inflammatory properties, anti-cancer properties, and neuroprotective properties. Scientists are also researching THCA as a possible treatment for conditions like chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, and seizures.
THC
THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the most recognized cannabinoid and is responsible for the psychoactive effects associated with marijuana.
Before THC is heated, it is THCA. THCA doesn’t share the same effects as THC because it has not gone through decarboxylation. When THCA is heated, it loses its carboxyl group and becomes THC.
Before THCA is heated, its molecules are too large to fit into our cannabinoid receptors, making them inactive and non-psychoactive. However, once THCA is heated, the molecules become THC, which has smaller molecules and fits into our cannabinoid receptors. This process allows THC to bind to the CB receptors in our brain and produce its psychoactive effects.
Besides providing users with psychoactive effects, THC is also being studied for additional potential medicinal benefits.
Some of these include:
- Stress-relief
- Pain relief
- Anti-inflammatory properties
- Antioxidant properties
- Neuroprotective properties
- alleviation of cancer treatment side effects like nausea
- relief from insomnia
- appetite stimulation
If you’re looking for the psychoactive effects of cannabis, THC is the cannabinoid you want. However, if you’re looking for the potential medicinal benefits of cannabis, both THCA and THC are worth considering.
How to Use THCA
Like with starting any new cannabis routine, it’s always best to start low and go slow. Gradual dosage increases are especially important with THCA if you’ve never used it before and don’t know how it will affect you.
When consuming THCA, keep in mind that it has not been decarboxylated and will not produce the same psychoactive effects as THC. However, some people still enjoy the flavor and potential medicinal benefits of THCA.
There are a few ways to consume THCA. The most common method is to use a tincture, but topicals are also available.
Conclusion
THCA and THC are two cannabinoids that come from cannabis plants. THCA is the precursor to THC and does not have the same psychoactive effects as THC. However, both THCA and THC are being studied for their potential medicinal benefits.
If you’re looking for the psychoactive effects of cannabis, THC is the cannabinoid you want. However, if you’re looking for the potential medicinal benefits of cannabis, both THCA and THC are worth considering.
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